Single Idea 14805

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death]

Full Idea

Among some of the lower organisms, it is a moot point with biologists whether there be anything which ought to be called death.

Gist of Idea

Is there any such thing as death among the lower organisms?

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (The Doctrine of Necessity Examined [1892], p.334)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.334


A Reaction

The point, presumably, is that one phase of an organisms moves into another, and the 'individuals' are not distinct enough for their 'death' to be a significant transition. A nicely mind-expanding thought.